Possible Pesticide-ADHD Connection

A research article published in the well-respected research journal Pediatrics found a link between pesticides and ADHD in kids. The research measured the level of pesticide residues in urine of children and noted that kids with high levels of a certain type of pesticide residue in their urine were nearly twice as likely to have ADHD than kids who didn’t have any traces of the pesticide (Note: We can’t determine cause-and-effect from this).

It’s good that they actually measured the levels in urine, instead of just asking kids/parents what the kids were eating and making estimates of pesticide intake based on that – at least this research was more direct.

It is important to note that this is just one study – it isn’t the end-all, be-all that indicates a trace of pesticide is going to kill our kids or will make them go nuts. More research on this is definitely needed before findings can be confirmed.

However, in the meantime, it’s a great idea to always very thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables. And, while not all foods always have to be organic (organics aren’t allowed to use synthetic pesticides), always washing food thoroughly and opting for organic produce some of the time can help limit your pesticide exposure.